Methods and systems forhydroelectric power generation

ABSTRACT

A system and method for generating hydroelectric power. More specifically, a system for generating hydroelectric power which transforms the kinetic energy in water, supplied to a consumer via a utility conduit, into electrical energy wherein water pressure is conserved or maintained at a desired water pressure within the device using a compressible gas headspace region.

COPYRIGHT STATEMENT

A portion of the disclosure of this patent application document contains material that is subject to copyright protection including the drawings. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The disclosure relates to hydroelectric power. More specifically, the methods and systems described herein relate to the generation of hydroelectric power utilizing utility conduit entering buildings, houses or part of other water distribution systems used in municipalities.

2. Description of the Prior Art

The kinetic energy of water may be transformed into electrical energy; however, while this energy source is valuable, to date the methods used to harness the kinetic energy are typically insufficient to meet the high demands of modern living. Conventional systems for generating hydroelectric power within a commercial or residential building typically fail to generate sufficient energy to merit the investment in infrastructure. Other such conventional systems negatively impact the water pressure remaining after the energy has been transformed, reducing the incentive consumers will have to implement such systems. The present application seeks to address these concerns.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The methods and systems described herein provide functionality for generating hydroelectric power. In some aspects, a system for generating hydroelectric power transforms the kinetic energy in water, generally supplied to a consumer via a utility conduit, into electrical energy. In some embodiments, consumers have purchased the water for domestic or commercial use and do not incur additional costs for the generated electrical energy. In these and in additional embodiments, the transformation creates no carbon emissions, affording the opportunity for consumers to contribute individually to a cleaner planet.

One illustrative embodiment is a system for generating hydroelectric power, the system comprising a hollow body having at least one inlet, at least one outlet in communication with a water reservoir region, and a compressible gas region; a turbine positioned, at least in part, within the compressible gas region;

and a generator connected to the turbine.

Additional embodiments may include a hollow body having at least one inlet, at least one outlet, in communication with a water reservoir region, and a plurality of compressible gas regions; a turbine positioned, at least in part, within each compressible gas region; and a generator connected to each turbine.

Also contemplated herein are a plurality of systems in line with one another thereby forming one system having a plurality of generators that provide electricity to the same battery or source, or to multiple sources.

These and other embodiments are described in more detail herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other objects, aspects, features, and advantages of the disclosure will become more apparent and better understood by referring to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a hydroelectric power generator with a compressible gas region.

FIG. 2 illustrates a hydroelectric power generator having two turbines, two generators, and two compressible gas regions.

FIG. 3 illustrates a pair of hydroelectric power generator systems connected inline from a single utility conduit.

FIG. 4 illustrates a hydroelectric power generator having an internal conduit transfer water from the bottom of the housing to an outlet on the same level as the inlet.

FIG. 5 illustrates an electric generator including a rotor and turbine.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Water pressure supplied to a consumer (such as an individual, a business, or a municipality) by a utility company carries a certain amount of kinetic energy. The hydroelectric device described herein transforms the kinetic energy inherent to the incoming flow of water supplied to the consumer, generally by a utility company/municipality, into electricity.

In one embodiment, a hydroelectric device is a water or fluid powered device, including a generator, having one or more components to generate electricity, the one or more components contained at least partially within a water-powered, airtight system. In such an embodiment, water pressure loss is optimized within the device as compressed air, or other compressed gases, inside the device apply a force on the water, which in turn helps to control the amount of water pressure loss. In another embodiment, the hydroelectric device is inserted en bloc via inlet and exit pipes into the existing plumbing of a building, making it simple to introduce into existing buildings or new construction. Whenever there is water demand, water flows through the hydroelectric device and kinetic energy is transformed into electrical energy by rotating a turbine or other similar device connected to a generator and water is delivered to the consumer with the desired amount of pressure provided by a utility conduit.

One illustrative embodiment is a system for generating hydroelectric power, the system comprising an airtight body having at least one inlet, at least one outlet, the body being at least partially filled with a compressible gas; a generator coupled to the inner portion of the body; and a turbine rotatably attached to the generator that is rotated as water flows over, around or by the turbine.

FIG. 1 illustrates at least one embodiment of a system for generating hydroelectric power. The hydroelectric device 100 includes an inlet hose or conduit 110, a turbine 130, a generator 120, headspace 170, an outlet pipe or conduit 150, and an open/close valve 155. Water faucets, toilet valves and other similar devices may be considered an open/close valve 155 and located down pipe from the hydroelectric device 100. The open/close valve may be considered part of or separate from the hydroelectric device 100 as it is part of the overall water system the device 100 works in conjunction with.

The headspace region 170 of the hydroelectric device 100 is filled with a desired amount of compressible gas. Water enters the inlet hose 110 and is directed along flow path 115. Turbine 130 is placed at least partially in flow path 115 in a manner so the directed flow of water causes the turbine to rotate. Turbine 130 connected with generator 120 causes electrical energy to be produced based on the revolutions per minute (rpm) of the turbine. After rotating turbine 130 the water then falls into the water reserve region 140. As more water is added to the hydroelectric device 100, the compressible gas compresses in the headspace region 170, which applies force to the water in the water reserve 140. The compressed gas, in conjunction with gravity, forces the water from the water reserve 140, out the outlet hose or conduit 150 at a consistent pressure. In an airtight system, the compressed gas in headspace region may remain constant even after the flow of water has stopped. It is important for outlet 150 to be positioned in an area below a waterline of the water reservoir region 140, so that the compressed gas in headspace region 170 may be constant when water is flowing. The amount of electrical energy generated by hydroelectric-device 100 is proportional to the amount of water passing through it.

In additional embodiments (not shown), the outlet conduit 150 may further include a pressure-controlled gate, wherein the gate will stop the flow of water through the outlet conduit until a desired water pressure is achieved. Such a gate may be necessary in embodiments where the outlet pipe releases the water at an elevation below that of the operating water level of the water reserve in the hydroelectric device.

Contemplated herein are compressible gasses that are suitable for maintaining a desired water pressure. More specifically, compressible gases may include oxygen, carbon dioxide, nitrogen, helium, argon, any mixtures thereof, or any other gas or mixture of gases commonly used in the art.

In some embodiments, the compressible gas must be suitable to substantially maintain a desired water pressure. For example, if the water pressure entering the device has a pressure of 70 pounds per square inch (psi) or 100 psi, the compressible gas must be a gas suitable to create a water pressure having substantially the same pressure at the out-flow. However, in additional embodiments, the gas must be suitable to allow for a specified amount of pressure loss. In such embodiments, the hydroelectric device may act as and/or take the place of a pressure relieving device. For example, if the water pressure entering the device has a pressure of 150 psi, yet the end user desires a lesser water pressure of 120, 100, or 75 psi, the device may be configured to allow for such a pressure reductions. In yet, additional embodiments, the desired pressure reduction may occur in one hydroelectric device, or the pressure reduction may occur through a series of hydroelectric devices. Some ways of altering the exit pressure include modifying the shape of the hydroelectric devices housing as discussed below as well as placement of the turbine in the flow path.

The shape and orientation of the various hydroelectric devices described herein have an impact on the efficiency and pressure loss of the system. For example, systems that are upright such as the one shown in FIG. 1 and that have a height longer than the width of the device tend to be more efficient than devices that are longer in width (diameter) than in height. This is in part because the amount of pressure built up in the headspace region has less of a surface area to apply an equal force across the surface of the water.

It is of note that some compressible gases contemplated herein may be water-soluble, thus, solubility must be accounted for when determining the amount of gas required to maintain the desired water pressure.

The hydro-electric devices described herein may be configured to replace any pressure reducing valves (PRVs) installed in buildings. PRVs are used to modify the amount of water pressure entering into a building or portion of a building. For example, most consumers prefer to have water pressure coming out of a faucet that is around 30 psi. If the water from the utility conduit entering the building is 100 psi then a PRV is used to reduce the pressure down to around 30 psi. The hydroelectric devices described herein accomplish the same thing as a PRV, but in addition convert the available kinetic energy into electrical energy.

As will be discussed below in various embodiments, a hydroelectric device described herein may be modified to convert water pressure entering the building into the desired water pressure to be used in the building. This may be accomplished through using multiple hydroelectric devices in series, modifying a hydroelectric to have multiple turbines and generators, modifying the size of the hydroelectric device including the headspace, water reservoir region, and type of turbine and generator used.

As disclosed above, after traveling through the inlet hose 110, the water is directed along flow path 115. The inlet hose 110 is a material having a single channel running there-through, from a first end to a second end. In at least one embodiment, the inlet hose 110 has a single channel, wherein the channel is substantially uniform in diameter the entire length of the hose. In additional embodiments, the hose and channel may have varying diameters so as to vary the velocity of the resulting directed flow 115.

In at least one embodiment, the hydroelectric device is made of a pressurized material. For example, the hydroelectric device may be constructed of PVC pipe, metal, porcelain, or other pressurized materials. In additional embodiments, the hydroelectric device may be tubular in shape. In such embodiments, the tubular shape may increase efficiency and keep the level of the water in the hydroelectric device below the generator. In yet other embodiments, the hydroelectric device is vertical. In such vertical embodiments, the vertical configuration of the hydroelectric device provides improved utilization of the force of gravity. The size of the hydroelectric device may vary according to the amount of water required for use. For example, a hydroelectric device installed within a residential kitchen may have a larger size than a hydroelectric device installed within a residential bathroom but a smaller size than a hydroelectric device installed within a commercial building such as a high-rise building. In some embodiments, a plurality of hydroelectric devices may be connected together.

Referring now to FIG. 2, an illustration depicting an embodiment of a hydroelectric device 200 having two generators. In brief overview, the hydroelectric device 200 includes generators 220 and 225, turbines 230 and 231, an inlet 210, an outlet 250, an interior flow director 212, and compressible gas regions 270 and 275. FIG. 2 depicts hydroelectric device 200, wherein the first and the second headspace regions, 270 and 275, are each filled with a desired amount of compressible gas. Water enters and travels through the inlet 210 and is directed along flow path 215 over the first turbine 230 in a manner so the directed flow of water causes turbine 230, which is connected to generator 220, to rotate and generate electricity. Shown in FIG. 4 are electrical leads 480 electrically connected to and extending from the generator to help transfer electrical energy to an energy storage or consumption device. After rotating turbine 220, the water then falls into first water reserve 240 and builds up and compresses a compressible gas in the first headspace 270 to an equilibrium point, which applies force to the water in the water reserve 240 and forces water through interior flow director 212 into a second portion of the hydroelectric device 200 containing a second headspace 275, second water reservoir 245, second turbine 231, second generator 225. The interior flow director 212 in-part directs water along flow path 217 where second turbine 231 is positioned in a manner so the directed water in flow path 217 causes the second turbine 231 to rotate. Turbine 231 is then connected to generator 225 and causes electrical energy to be created with each revolution. The water then falls into a second water reserve 245. As more water is added to the second water reserve 245, the compressible gas compresses in the second headspace 275, which applies force to the water in the second water reserve 245. The compressed gas, in conjugation with gravity, forces the water from the second water reserve 245, out the outlet conduit 250 at a constant pressure.

As mentioned above, in an airtight system, the compressed gas in headspace region may remain constant even after the flow of water has stopped. It is important for outlet conduit 250 to be positioned in an area below a waterline of the second water reservoir region 245, so that the compressed gas in headspace region 275 may be constant when water is flowing. The amount of electrical energy generated by hydroelectric-device 200 is proportional to the amount of water passing through the system.

In additional embodiments, the inlet hose and/or the interior flow director may further include a pressure-controlled gate, wherein the gate will stop the flow of water through the outlet pipe until a desired water pressure is achieved.

In some embodiments, the gas or mixture of gases selected for the first headspace region, may also be used in the second headspace region, while in other embodiments, each headspace may have a unique gas or mixture of gases. Each headspace region may comprise any suitable gas or mixture of gases as long as the desired water pressure exiting the outlet conduit 250 can be maintained. In some embodiments, the first and the second headspace regions may maintain substantially the same gas pressure, while in other embodiments; the first and second headspace regions may have unique gas pressures by varying the volume and shape.

In additional embodiments, the inlet hose and/or the interior flow director may further include a nozzle, spout, or other device that may more precisely direct the flow of water. In such embodiments, it is also contemplated, that the nozzle, spout, or other device may increase the pressure of the water as it is directed at the turbine while decreasing the flow rate. Adjusting the flow rate and pressure from the inlet may be useful in configuring a turbine and generator system configured to achieve the desired results for a building or home having particular water consumption attributes such as volume, pressure needs, and so forth.

While FIG. 2 depicts a hydroelectric device having two generators, also consistent with the present disclosure are embodiments having more than two generators within the same device. More specifically, it is contemplated that at least one hydroelectric device embodiment may have as many as ten or more generators. Each generator may provide energy to the same battery or source, or multiple batteries or sources. It is also contemplated that a hydroelectric device may contain multiple turbines connected to a single generator through a gear clutch-like system.

FIG. 3 illustrates a hydroelectric power generation system 300 comprised of two hydroelectric devices in line with one another. In such a system, water passes through the hydroelectric devices and generates power as described in the embodiments above; here however, the outlet pipe 350 of the first hydroelectric device also acts as the inlet hose 312 of the second hydroelectric device. In such a system, the water pressure is maintained by controlling the gas pressure in each hydroelectric device so the desired water pressure exiting the last hydroelectric device may be maintained. As mentioned above, the water pressure coming into the system may be substantially maintained in some embodiments, while in other embodiments the system may act as a PRV.

While FIG. 3 illustrates a system comprising two hydroelectric devices in line with one another, a system having more than two hydroelectric devices in line with one another is also contemplated herein. For example, a system having 10 or more hydroelectric devices in line with one another is consistent with the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 illustrates at least one embodiment of a system for generating hydroelectric power. The hydroelectric device 400 includes an inlet hose 410, a turbine 430, a generator 420, a headspace 470, an outlet pipe 450, and an open/close valve 455.

The headspace region 470 of the hydroelectric device 400 is filled with a desired amount of compressible gas. Water enters the inlet hose 410 and is directed along flow path 415. Turbine 430 is placed at least partially in flow path 415 in a manner so the directed flow of water causes the turbine to rotate. Turbine 430 connected with generator 420 causes electrical energy to be produced based on the revolutions per minute (rpm) of the turbine. After rotating turbine 430 the water then falls into the water reserve region 440. As more water is added to the hydro-device, the compressible gas compresses in the headspace, which applies force to the water in the water reserve 440. The compressed gas, in conjugation with gravity, forces the water from the water reserve 440, out the outlet hose 450 at a consistent pressure. As shown in FIG. 4, the outlet hose 450 is located within the housing of the hydroelectric device and extends from a point inside the water reserve 440 to a point above the water reserve region 440 where it exits the hydroelectric device 400.

In some embodiments, at least one wire is connected to the generator within the hydroelectric device and carries electrical current outside the hydroelectric device. As energy is generated, it may be stored in a bank of batteries, it may be used within the building in which the hydroelectric device operates, sold to a utility company, or it may be distributed to one or among many batteries or sources commonly used in the art.

In some embodiments, a vessel is made of pressurized material forming an airtight hydroelectric device containing, within it, all the moving parts of a generator and a turbine, through which water from a utility conduit flows; thereby providing an airtight hydroelectric device within which electricity may be generated without impacting the level of water pressure accessed by a consumer of the water flowing through the utility conduit. In one such embodiment, the pressurized air working in conjunction with the force of gravity improves the level of efficiency of the process of generating electricity without negatively impacting the existing water pressure.

FIG. 5 illustrates at least one embodiment of an electric generator, wherein the generator includes a shaft 533, a rotor 534, at least one bearing 535, and a stator 536. As described above, turbine 530, the shaft 533, the rotor 534, the at least one bearing 535, and the stator 536 are located in an upper portion of a hydroelectric device.

In at least one embodiment turbine 532 may be a Tesla turbine, while in other embodiments, an alternative to a turbine may be used, including, a Pelton wheel. By way of example, and without limitation, the Tesla turbine 532 may have a plurality of parallel, closely-spaced, flat plates. In still another embodiment, the turbine 532 may be mounted on a central shaft 533. Also consistent with the present disclosure is a turbine further including a neodymium permanent magnet (Nb52) fixed to the shaft 532. In an additional embodiment, the rotor 534 may also include a neodymium permanent magnet (Nb52) fixed to the shaft 533.

In brief overview, the generator includes a shaft 533, a rotor 534, at least one bearing 535, and a stator 536. The generator is connected to the turbine 532. In at least one embodiment, the shaft 533 is mounted on two bearings 535. In such embodiments, mounting the shaft 533 on the two bearings 535 encourages a more smooth rotation. It is also contemplated herein that by mounting the shaft 533 on the two bearings 535, the overall stability may be enhanced.

The stator 536 may be constructed using a plurality of copper wire coils. However, in additional embodiments, the copper wire coils may be arranged in a three-phase star configuration. Additionally, the stator 536 may be positioned parallel to and flanking the magnets of the rotor 534, while in other embodiments, the stator 536 may be fixed to the inside portion of an airtight hydroelectric device. In additional embodiments, the stator 536 may have a central hole allowing for free rotation of the shaft 533.

As described above, the generator may include the shaft, the rotor, the at least one bearing, and the stator. However, in other embodiments, alternative components are provided within the generator. For example, it is also contemplated herein that other types generators (containing components other than the shaft, the rotor, the at least one bearing, and the stator) may be provided within the housing of the airtight hydroelectric device. More specifically, in such embodiments, the generator may be any type of device that is capable of using kinetic energy of natural or artificial waterfall that is channeled into or through a turbine and is operated by a flow of water under pressure. In further embodiments, a type of generator may be selected based upon flow characteristics and volume of water under pressure passing through the system.

A variety of generators known in the art may be used in conjunction with the hydroelectric devices described herein and as such the generic generator described herein should not be construed to be limiting, but by way of example.

In most of the embodiments illustrated herein, the generator is completely enclosed inside the housing of the hydroelectric device. This is mostly done to ensure an airtight/watertight system to help maintain appropriate pressure in the headspace region(s) acting on the water reservoir regions. However, it is contemplated that a portion of the generator may be place outside of the housing of the hydroelectric device. For example, most generators are comprised of magnets and copper wiring. In one embodiment the rotating magnets could be placed inside the housing while the copper wiring is placed outside just on the other side of the housing wall or vice versa. In another considered embodiment the housing wall protrudes around the generator still maintaining an airtight system, while the rest of the housing is substantially streamlined to optimize efficiency.

To reiterate, the systems and methods described herein are configured to take advantage of the natural kinetic energy associated in fluid flowing pipes and systems, substantially maintain, minimize or optimize pressure reduction in the various systems used in buildings, houses, or other water distribution systems, through optimizing the headspace region while generating electricity in the process. Water enters the system and causes a turbine connected to a generator to rotate. This turbine is located at least partially in a compressible headspace region, that may reduced in volume as the volume of water builds up in a water reservoir region positioned below the compressible headspace region until the compressed gas in the headspace region reaches the pressure of the water coming into the system or substantially close thereto and causes an equal force on the surface of the water reservoir region causing water to be forced out an outlet positioned below the water line in the water reservoir region at a desired pressure that is substantially equal to the pressure entering the system or configured to be reduced to a desired water pressure for downstream/downpipe use.

While several embodiments have been described herein that are exemplary of the present invention, one skilled in the art will recognize additional embodiments within the spirit and scope of the invention. Modification and variation can be made to the disclosed embodiments without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the applications of the embodiments disclosed herein are varied. Accordingly, additions and modifications can be made without departing from the principles of the disclosure. In this regard, it is intended that such changes would still fall within the scope of the disclosure. Therefore, this disclosure is not limited to particular embodiments, but is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of the disclosure. 

1. A hydro-electric power generator system, comprising: a housing having a compressible gas region, an inlet, and an outlet in communication with a water reservoir region, and; a turbine positioned, at least in part, within the compressible gas region; and a generator connected to the turbine.
 2. The system of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of turbines within the system.
 3. The system of claim 2, further comprising a plurality of generators within the system.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the compressible gas region contains at least one of oxygen, carbon dioxide, nitrogen, helium, or argon.
 5. The system of claim 1, wherein the amount of gas contained in the compressible gas region is sufficient to create a gas pressure capable of maintaining a desired water pressure.
 6. The system of claim 1, wherein the inlet is configured to direct flow of water over the turbine thereby causing the turbine to rotate and generate electrical power in the connected generator.
 7. The system of claim 1, configured to control the water pressure exiting through the outlet at a specified rate that is less than or equal to the water pressure entering through the inlet.
 8. The system of claim 1, wherein the water reservoir region has a waterline height in the housing and the outlet is placed below the waterline.
 9. A method for controlling water pressure and generating electrical power comprising the steps of: placing a generator comprising a turbine at least partially in a fluid flow path, wherein the fluid causes rotation of the turbine to generate electrical power in the generator; forming a compressible gas region at least partially around the turbine; and forming a water reservoir below the compressible gas region, wherein the water reservoir has an outlet below the waterline of the water reservoir, and wherein the compressible gas region exerts a constant force on the surface of the water reservoir region causing water to flow through the outlet at a specified water pressure.
 10. A hydro-electric power generator system, comprising: a plurality of hydroelectric devices, wherein each hydroelectric device has: a compressible gas region, an inlet, and an outlet in communication with a water reservoir region, and; a turbine positioned, at least in part, within the compressible gas region; and a generator connected to each turbine.
 11. The system of claim 10, wherein the hydroelectric devices are connected inline in such a manner so that the outlet of an upstream hydroelectric device is in communication with the inlet of a downstream hydroelectric device. 